IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Sim¢n, M.A.; Cadenas, R.; Gil-S nchez, J.M.; L¢pez-Parra, M.; Garc¡a, J.; Fern ndez, L.; Ruiz, G.; L¢pez, G. | |
| Conservation of free-ranging Iberian lynx (_Lynx pardinus_) populations in Andalusia | |
| 2009 Book Chapter | |
The conservation status of the Iberian lynx was found to be extremely critical by the end of the 20th Century, when only 150 individuals remained in the wild secluded into two isolated populations, Do¤ana and eastern Sierra Morena, both located in Andalusia. The Andalusian Government, together with a number of partners, adopted different conservation measures that received support from the European Union in the form of two LIFE-Nature conservation projects. These projects have proved essential to avoid the potential extinction of the Iberian lynx in the wild and to stabilize both free-ranging populations. Presently, _in situ_ conservation efforts are focused on the following objectives: 1) Maintaining and expanding the two existing populations; 2) Recovering extinct population nuclei -following IUCN reintroduction criteria; 3) Maximizing genetic diversity by "genetically connecting" the two existing populations; 4) Continuing to promote local, national and international support to ensure the recovery of this highly endangered species. Nowadays, the Sierra Morena population continues to grow -both numerically and in surface area- at an annual basis. In fact, the number of lynxes has increased from 38 adults (individuals of more than one-year-of-age) registered in 2001 to 95 in 2008. The Do¤ana population remains stable and a translocation programme, with the ultimate goal of genetic and demographic reinforcement, is currently taking place. Also, _in situ_ efforts are presently focused on the recovery of historical population nuclei through reintroduction programmes. Preparation works are being carried out since 2005 and the first releases are scheduled to begin in 2009. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |